Pitch beside the Thames, walk over the bridge for ice cream. Riverside camping with a proper market town attached.
Our verdict
The easiest first-ever family camping trip in this guide: flat, enclosed and next to a splash park.
| Distance from SN7 | 21 miles |
|---|---|
| County | Oxfordshire |
| Price band | ££ what the bands mean |
| Open | May to September |
| Tents | Yes |
| Campervans & motorhomes | Yes |
| Electric hook-up | Yes |
| Campfires | No |
| Swimming pool | No |
Riverside Park does exactly what its name promises: a neat, grassy campsite on the banks of the Thames, a short stroll over the medieval bridge from the centre of Wallingford. Boats putter past all day, swans drift in for breakfast crumbs, and the town's splash park and paddling pool are right next door.
Wallingford itself is an underrated gem, a proper market town with independent shops, several family-friendly pubs and a ruined castle in a meadow. The Thames Path runs straight through, so riverside walks in either direction are effortless. This is gentle, convenient camping, ideal for first trips with small children.
Why children love it
- Wallingford Splash Park and paddling pool immediately next to the site
- Flat, enclosed camping field, easy to keep eyes on little ones
- Town playground, ice cream and pubs a five-minute walk over the bridge
Days out nearby
- Wallingford Castle Meadows
- Cholsey and Wallingford steam railway
- The Ridgeway and Thames Path from the gate
Know before you go
- Arrive before dusk, the riverside light is spectacular and parking is easier.
- Boat trips run from the town wharf in summer.
- No campfires on the grass, bring a raised BBQ or use the town's fish and chips instead.
The honest bit
This is town-edge camping with people, boats and bustle. Wilderness it is not, and summer weekends hum.
Camping weather this week
Live 7-day forecast for Wallingford, straight from Open-Meteo.
Quick answers
Are campfires allowed at Riverside Park?
No, open campfires are not part of the offer at Riverside Park. A raised BBQ is usually fine, but check the site's current rules when you book.
Does Riverside Park have a swimming pool?
No. The nearest pool site in this guide is Swiss Farm Touring and Camping, about 13 miles away. Riverside Park makes up for it outdoors.
How far is Riverside Park from Faringdon and Oxford?
Riverside Park is about 21 miles from Faringdon (SN7) and roughly 16 miles from Oxford city centre. Distances are approximate road miles.
When is Riverside Park open?
Riverside Park is typically open May to September. Dates shift a little year to year, so confirm with the site before travelling.
Peg & Lantern is an independent guide and takes no commission. Details last checked July 2026; facilities and opening dates change season to season, so always confirm directly with the campsite before travelling. Photography is illustrative, not of the campsite itself.
